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Homeword - Dec. 24, 2010

God With UsThis devotional was written by Jim LiebeltThe virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel —which means, "God with us." —Matthew 1:23

None of us living today have actually seen God. This doesn't cause me any concern, because we have the Scriptures, fellow-believers, and the Holy Spirit living within us to demonstrate God's ongoing presence in our world.

But, can you imagine the opportunity those who lived when Jesus lived on earth had? Those who saw Jesus saw God. Can you imagine the disciples? They walked, talked, and shared meals with God. Can you imagine the Apostle John? He laid his head on God. (John 13:23 - New American Standard - reads, "There was reclining on Jesus' bosom, one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.")

In Jesus, God became man, and lived among us (See John 1). Through His life, He revealed God to us. And, the impact of His presence with us still shapes and transforms lives. He is still present through His Holy Spirit to transform yours.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

(from Joy to the World)

We celebrate Christmas for the miracle that in Jesus, God is with us.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How has your life changed because God is with us?

2. How does knowing that God is with us bring hope to your life?

FAMILY TIME:

Go online to search for a copy of Louis Cassels story, The Parable of the Birds. Print off a copy. Gather your family together and read the parable, and then use the content above to engage in discussion about the miracle that in Jesus, God is with us.